Premiership: Smith plays down Gazza absence

Walter Smith was quick to play down Paul Gascoigne's non-appearance in Everton's 1-0 win at First Division Burnley.

Gascoigne made his long-awaited comeback from injury as a late substitute at Preston on Saturday and was expected to play a more prominent role at Turf Moor.

But the man who spent much of the summer in America to curb his drinking problems didn't even make the substitutes' bench, prompting speculation over his whereabouts.

However, Toffees boss Smith maintained it had always been in his mind to adopt a patient approach with Gascoigne, who was also nursing a thigh injury.

"He's hurt his thigh and is a fortnight away from playing," said Smith.

"He started training later than the rest of them and didn't play any games in the second half of last season.

"So he'll be a little bit away from playing yet - that's all."

Smith was happy with the contribution of £4.5m summer signing Tomasz Radzinski.

The Canadian forward was introduced in the 61st minute with the Premiership side already a goal up courtesy of Niclas Alexandersson's 21st-minute strike.

And Smith felt he looked sharp on his eagerly-awaited debut for the Merseysiders, despite having had a minor groin injury.

"We didn't want to take any chances with him on Saturday at Preston as he's had a slight groin strain, but he's fine now," said Smith.

"He's played for Anderlecht twice already this season as they had the Champions League qualifiers so it wasn't too bad that he missed Saturday - but he did okay for us tonight.

"Overall it was a good game and Burnley made it tough, as I thought they would do.

"Like Preston, they were good opposition and it was a good game for us."